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Stefan Tonev
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American Chris Kirk wins Honda Classic after one-hole playoff
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His compatriot Eric Cole finished second

Chris Kirk ended an almost eight-year winless drought on Sunday when he beat his compatriot Eric Cole in a playoff to win the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort.

Kirk birdied the par-5 18th hole on The Champion course to win for the first time in 79 starts since 2015 at Colonial. It was his fifth PGA Tour win, worth $1.512 million.

I was obviously very, very nervous today, having not won in so long won in so long,” said Kirk, who has overcome alcoholism to likely return to No. 31 in the world rankings.

“I’m so grateful for my sobriety, my family and for everyone who has supported me throughout the past three or four years.”

Kirk’s victory dashed what would have been an incredible story had Cole held on for the win. The 34-year-old rookie from Delray Beach had never had a top-10 finish in his 17 previous PGA Tour starts, much less a win.

Cole had a chance, playing his third shot from the sand to just outside of 10 feet for a birdie that would have extended the playoff.

But it lipped out, and Kirk nudged his ball in for his fifth career win – his first since prevailing at Colonial in 2015.

With mom Laura Baugh cheering him on from the gallery, Cole came within a missed up-and-down on the 72nd hole of winning at golf’s highest level.

He still earned $915,600 for his runner-up finish, 10 times more than he pocketed while winning more than 50 times on the South Florida-based Minor League Golf Tour.